DCB Arrests Alleged Arms Trafficker With Six Illegal Firearms Ahead of Ahmedabad Rath Yatra
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
In a major pre-emptive operation ahead of the 149th Rath Yatra, the Ahmedabad Detection of Crime Branch (DCB) arrested an alleged arms trafficker and seized six illegal country-made firearms and 21 live cartridges, foiling what police suspect was an attempt to supply weapons to criminal networks in Gujarat.
Investigators believe the firearms were procured from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh and were intended for distribution among criminal elements operating in Ahmedabad Rural and Mehsana districts.
Intelligence-led operation
The accused, identified as Karan Singh alias Kanchido Solanki (27), a resident of Hatthipura village in Detroj taluka, was apprehended near Zundal Bridge on the S.P. Ring Road during a patrol based on specific intelligence inputs.
Police recovered five country-made pistols, one country-made barrel pistol and 21 live cartridges from his possession. A mobile phone and a black bag allegedly used to transport the weapons were also seized.
The total value of the seized property has been estimated at ₹88,300.
A case has been registered under the Arms Act, and further investigation is underway.
Firearms allegedly sourced from Gwalior
According to Crime Branch officials, Solanki allegedly told investigators that he had procured the firearms from Gwalior with the intention of selling them to criminals operating in Ahmedabad Rural and Mehsana.
Police alleged that he had been involved in the illegal arms trade for nearly two years and maintained links with bootleggers, bookmakers and other persons engaged in criminal activities.
Investigators suspect he regularly travelled to Madhya Pradesh to source country-made firearms before transporting them into Gujarat.
Probe into intended recipients
Officials said the operation formed part of a special drive launched ahead of the Rath Yatra to curb the circulation of illegal weapons and strengthen security arrangements for one of Ahmedabad's largest religious processions.
The Crime Branch is now attempting to identify the intended recipients of the seized firearms and determine whether they were meant to be used in organised criminal activity or any specific offence.
History of previous offences
Police records indicate that Solanki has several criminal cases registered against him at Detroj, Becharaji and Link Road police stations.
His antecedents include cases involving attempt to murder, unlawful assembly, offences under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, the Gujarat Police Act, and multiple cases under the Arms Act, including three separate cases registered in 2025 for illegal possession of firearms.
Officials said the investigation is focused on dismantling the wider supply chain involved in procuring and distributing illegal weapons in Gujarat, particularly ahead of major public events.
